The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) with support from GIZ - Support to the Private and Financial Sector (PFS) under the programme Network for inclusive Local Economic Development (NILED), has commenced a two-day regional-based sensitisation workshop to disseminate the Local Economic Development (LED) (2024–2029) Policy and Implementation Plan. The workshop, which began on Monday, August 18, 2025 in Sunyani in the Bono Region, is designed to raise awareness and foster stakeholder engagement in the effective rollout of the policy across the country.

The LED Policy aims to create an enabling environment for local business growth, decent employment opportunities, and inclusive economic empowerment. It outlines eight key policy objectives focused on building local capacity, strengthening institutional frameworks, and promoting a business-friendly environment tailored to the socio-economic conditions of Ghana’s Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

In a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), the Bono Regional Coordinating Director, Nar-Ire Puobenyere David, underscored the importance of the LED Policy in advancing inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level. He emphasised that effective implementation of the policy will help unlock local economic potential and improve livelihoods across the country.

The workshop seeks to raise awareness about the LED Policy and its accompanying Practitioners' Manual, enhance capacity at the local level, encourage stakeholder participation and feedback, promote inter-agency collaboration, and explore sustainable funding opportunities to support local economic initiatives. Through presentations, dialogue sessions, and interactive Q&A forums, participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of the policy framework and their respective roles in its successful implementation.

Participants in the workshop include Regional Coordinating Directors, Planning Officers, Budget Analysts, Agricultural Officers, Finance Officers, and staff from Business Advisory Centres. Their active involvement is essential to localising the policy strategies and ensuring effective execution at the regional and district levels.

The sensitisation workshop is scheduled to run from August 17 to September 2, 2025, with sessions planned for various regions including Ahafo, Bono East, Ashanti, and Greater Accra. Each regional session is designed to reflect the unique development needs and opportunities of the area, ensuring that the policy’s implementation is contextually relevant and impactful.

The Ministry expects the workshops to generate far-reaching benefits by enhancing awareness and understanding of the policy, strengthening collaboration and partnerships, building implementation capacity, and fostering extensive stakeholder engagement across sectors.

By working together, stakeholders at all levels can support the transformation of local economies, generate sustainable jobs, and uplift communities across Ghana. With a shared commitment to local development, the LED Policy offers a powerful framework for driving inclusive growth and securing a more prosperous future for all Ghanaians.

The C40 Cities Finance Facility (CFF), a global leader in supporting urban infrastructure projects that drive climate resilience, is extending its expertise to Ghana with a focus on waste management in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area (STMA). A delegation from CFF paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to outline their plans and reaffirm their commitment to working with national and local authorities.

CFF helps cities transform climate action plans into practical projects that deliver measurable impact. Their city centred approach ensures that solutions benefit all residents, including marginalised communities, while tackling the urgent challenges of climate change. To date, CFF has partnered with 30 cities across four regions including Mumbai, Medellin, Durban, and Dakar supporting 36 projects in renewable energy, sustainable mobility, water, waste management, and nature-based solutions. Globally, the organisation has mobilised over $650 million in climate investments and is on track to leverage more than $1 billion by 2025.

In Sekondi-Takoradi, CFF is supporting a comprehensive waste management programme aimed at reducing the city’s reliance on landfills. The project targets an 80% diversion of municipal solid waste from landfills, a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector by 2050, and the generation of renewable energy. Beyond environmental gains, the programme will create green jobs, strengthen the livelihoods of both formal and informal waste workers, and tackle the growing threat of plastic pollution and drain blockages that cause flooding.

Through a combination of technical expertise, financial readiness support, and capacity building, CFF equips cities with the tools and knowledge to deliver sustainable change. This includes specialised training, workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and knowledge exchanges to strengthen local institutions.

The courtesy call to the Minister marks an important step in aligning the initiative with Ghana’s broader environmental and development agenda. The partnership between CFF and STMA aims to establish a model for sustainable waste management in Ghana showing that climate action can protect the environment, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for citizens.

Source : Stephanie Edem Klutsey

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, an alumnus of Sunyani Secondary School, has been celebrated by his alma mater in recognition of his appointment to the high office of Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA).

In a touching gesture of pride and solidarity, the Minister’s former headmaster paid a courtesy call on him at the Ministry. During the visit, he presented a crafted citation, lauding the Minister’s dedication to public service and congratulating him on this important milestone in his career.

The Minister expressed appreciation for the recognition. He reflected on how his formative years at Sunyani Secondary School helped shape his values, discipline, and commitment to leadership. He further encouraged current students of the school to pursue excellence, integrity, and service to the nation, noting that these qualities remain the cornerstone of meaningful achievement.

The visit underscored the enduring bond between the Minister and his former school and served as a reminder of how strong educational foundations can influence lifelong accomplishments. It also stood as an inspiring example of how institutions can continue to nurture and celebrate the success stories of their alumni.

Source : Stephanie Edem Klutsey

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA